Apparatus for anchoring a structure to earth matter

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for anchoring a structure, such as a fence, to earth matter is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base member formed with a structure supporting portion and at least one elongated stake, preferably a metallic strip, having a twist or helical surface which engages the earth matter. The stake is preferably formed with means to lock it against the rotation relative to the base and against axial displacement of the base away from the earth matter and stake. The use of two helical strip-like stakes driven into slots in the base and the use of a second superimposed base member are disclosed.

United States Patent :1 I

Daniel 11] 3,724,145 51 Apr. 3, 1973 [76] Inventor: Dorce L. Daniel,1115 W. 5th

Street, Benicia, Calif. 94510 [22] Filed: Apr. 5, 1971 [21] Appl.No.:131,182

[52] US. Cl. ..52/157, 52/158, 52/165, 256/32 [51] Int. Cl. ..E02d 5/80[58] Field of Search ..52/102, 155, 156, 157,159, 52/165, 684, 685, 158;256/19, 32

[56] References Cited 3,393,897 7/1968 Wright ..256/32 FOREIGN PATENTSOR APPLICATIONS 80,147 3/1894 Germany ..52/l57 Primary Examiner-Frank L.Abbott Assistant Examiner-Leslie A. Braun Attorney-Warren, Rubin,Brucker & Chickering [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for anchoring a structure,such as a fence, to earth matter is disclosed. The apparatus includes abase member formed with a structure supporting portion and at least oneelongated stake, preferably a metallic strip, having a twist or helicalsurface which engages the earth matter. The stake is preferably formedwith means to lock it against the rotation relative to the base andagainst axial displacement of the base away from the earth matter andstake. The use of two helical strip-like stakes driven into slots in thebase and the use of a second super-imposed base member are disclosed.

5 Claims,'8 Drawing Figures PATENTED R 3 I973 SHEET 1 UF 2 INVENTOR.

Dorce L. Daniel 7mm, BM, Attorneys PATENIEUAPR3 I973 3,724,145

IN VENTOR Dorce L. Dani I Aflornevs APPARATUS FOR ANCHORING A STRUCTURETO EARTH MATTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION situations is theconstruction of a fence or similar barri- 0 er. Additionally, poles,equipment, and shelters, to name a few, may be temporarily orpermanently secured to the ground or earth matter.

Present practice in the installation of fencing is particularlyillustrative of the types of problems which are encountered in securingstructures to the ground. Typically, a series of post holes are dug forreceipt of the main upright fence posts. The posts may then be placed inhe holes and the dirt filled in around the post. This has thedisadvantage of causing agradual decay of the post and weakening of thefence. It is preferable, therefore, to place the post in the hole andsurround the post with concrete. After the concrete has set, the portionof the fence between the posts can be secured to the posts. Thisprocess, while effective, often involves substantial labor and timebefore the fence can be erected. Additionally, this type of installationis not readily adaptable for use in temporarily anchoring the fence tothe ground.

Another approach which has been employed in securing various structuresto the ground has been the use of stakes. Such stakes are usually driveninto the ground adjacent the structure to be anchored and secured tothat structure directly or indirectly so as to anchor the structure tothe ground. While the use of stakes results in certain advantages overthe use of post holes, structures which have been secured by stakes havebeen found to be anchored with substantially less strength than the morestandard use of post holes. Thus, the prior anchoring structures whichemploy stakes have commonly encountered problems with the stakes pullingout of the ground and the anchorage becoming weakened or failing.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for anchoring a structure to earth matter which maybe easily and rapidly installed by relatively unskilled personnel.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for anchoring a structure to earth matter which affords apositive strong anchoring force which will not diminish substantiallyover extended period of use. g

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for anchoring a structure to earth matter which is suitablefor use as a temporary as well as a permanent anchor.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for anchoring a structure to earth matter which iseasy to manufacture, durable, and provides a support which resistscorrosion of the structure anchored.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The anchoring apparatus of the presentinvention is comprised, briefly, ofa base member formed with a structuresupporting portion and an elongated stake formed to be driven into earthmatter and including a longitudinally extending surface projectinglaterally of the longitudinal axis of the stake to resist rotation ofthe stake about that axis. The surface is further formed as a helicalsurface to resist removal of the stake axially without rotation thereof.Additionally, securement means, preferably a slot in the base andwidened end of the stake, is provided and formed to secure the stake tothe base member against rotation of the stake and axial displacement ofthe base away from the stake and the ground. Ground engaging means maybe employed to prevent rotation of the base about the stake.

A plurality of metallic strip-like stakes driven through slots in thebase member is preferred and a second perpendicularly oriented andsuperimposed base member may be employed. The stakes may include wedgingears with notches to lock them with respect to the base member. Themethod of anchoring a structure to earth matter is comprised ofpositioning a base over the earth matter, driving a helical stake intothe earth matter, preferably through slots in the base, and securing thestake to the base against rotation and relative axial displacement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top perspective view ofapparatus for securing a structure to earth matter constructed inaccordance with the present invention and illustrating in phantom anoptional additional anchoring structure.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the anchoring apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is anend elevational view taken along the plane of line 3-3 ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view, partially in cross-section,taken along the plane of line 44 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of one end of theanchoring apparatus showing the stake inserted for driving into earthmatter.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of one end of theanchoring apparatus showing the stake driven partially into earthmatter.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of one end of theanchoring apparatus showing the stake driven almost fully into the earthmatter.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a fence anchored with the apparatusof the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT I Referring now to FIGS. 1through 4, inclusive, the anchoring apparatus of the present inventioncan be seen to be comprised of a base member 21 formed with a structuresupporting portion, here shown as flanges 22 and 23, for securement ofstructure 19 (shown in phantom in FIG. 4) thereto. The anchoringapparatus further includes an elongated stake 24 having a first end 27,which is formed with a point in order that it may be driven into earthmatter 28 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 8), and a second end 29, which ispreferably generally perpendicular to the body of the stake, in orderthat it may be impacted by a driving tool, such as a hammer. Stake 24includes at least one longitudinally extending surface 31 which projectsradially of longitudinal axis 32 of the stake to-provide an arearesisting rotation of the stake about axis 32. Surface 31 further isformed as a helical surface to provide an areawhich resists removal ofthe stake from the earth matter in an axial direction without therotation of the stake. Finally, the apparatus further includessecurement means, generally designated 33, formed to secure end 29 tobase member 21 against rotation of stake 24 relative to the base memberafter driving the stake into the earth matter adjacent the base memberand further to secure the base member to the stake against displacementaxially of base 21 in direction away from the earth matter and thestake.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the function of the radiallyprojecting helical surface and securement means of the apparatus of thepresent invention can be more clearly understood. The stake in FIGS. 5,6 and 7 is stake 36 at an opposite end of base member 21 from stake 24.Stake 36 is illustrated as being formed exactly in the same manner asstake 24, and accordingly, the corresponding parts have been given thecorresponding numbers with the addition of a letter designation aindicating that they are a part of stake 36. In FIG. stake 36 haspointed end 27a just barely driven into the ground through a slot oropening 37 in base member 21. As stake 36 is driven deeper into theground, in the direction shown by arrow 38 in FIG. 6, helical surface31a causes the stake to rotate about axis 32a as it is axiallydownwardly displaced. Thus, stake 36 follows the path of arrow 39 andis, in effect, screwed into the ground by helical surface 31a as it isdriven downwardly. In FIG. 7, stake 36 is driven until end 29a isadjacent base member 21.

In order to secure base 21 to stake 36, securement means 33a ispreferably formed as a slot 37 in the base member and a laterallyprojecting element secured to the stake, in this case a pair of ears 41and 42 providing shoulders which engage base member 21 adjacent slot 37.As will be seen from the figures, it is preferably that ears 41 and 42are formed with notches 43 and 44, which will engage the base memberadjacent slot 37 upon driving the stake downwardly from the position inFIG. 7 until it reaches the position shown in FIG. 4, whereupon thenotches lock the stake to the base member.

The anchoring action of the apparatus of the present invention resultsby reason of the securement of stake 36 relative to the base memberagainst rotation and axial displacement of the base member away from thestake and ground. Loading forces on structure 19 will be transmitted asforces which are resisted by the entire length of the stake, as would bethe case for a standard stake. These loading forces tend to pull stakes24 and 36 out of the ground. When a round or flat non-helical stake isprovided, the only force resisting the tendency to pull the base memberout of the ground is the friction force along the surfaces of the stakewhich engage the ground. This friction force is often inadequate andparticularly unsatisfactory when repeated cycling of loads on thestructure 19 are encountered.

' In the present invention, helical surface 31a is locked againstrotation by ears 4] and 42 and slot 37. Upward forces on base 21 tend tocause the stake to be rotated about axis 32a in a direction reversedto-that indicated by arrow 39. Slot 37,'however, prevents rotation ofthe stake relative to the base, and accordingly, the stake is not freeto rotate and immediately engages the earth matter with the twisted orhelical surface below the ground level providing a substantial arearesisting upward displacement of the anchorage. In order to pull thestake from the ground, therefore, the entire cylinder 46 of earth mattermust be pulled up with the stake. The stake of the present inventioncan, however, be removed very easily if the upward force is placed onlyon the stake and not on the base member. In this condition, for example,by engaging the end 29a of stake 36, the stake is free to rotate when itis being pulled away from'the slot, as long as the slot is maintained atground level, since the stakewill simply unscrew from the earth matterin which it has been driven. Thus, while the slot prevents unscrewing ofthe stake from the ground upon attempted displacement of base 21 and thestake away from the ground, displacement of end 27a toward base member21 results in an unscrewing of the stake in slot 37, which is effectedby displacing the stake axially as it rotates at a rate equal to therate of twist of the helical surface 31a.

In FIG. 7, the stake is not locked to the base and could be pulled outof the ground by engaging the stake and pulling it upwardly whileallowing it to rotate. Thus, the stake may be driven to the positionshown in FIG. 7 to effect a relatively temporary anchoring of structure19 to the earth matter. The anchor can then be removed by engaging thestake, instead of the base 21, and pulling the stake upwardly andunscrewing it along a path opposite to that shown in FIG. 6. Thisrotating or unscrewing action will not occur, however, when upliftingforces originate in the structure 19, and accordingly, the anchor isvery effective, notwithstanding the fact that the notches have notengaged base 21.

For more permanent structures, the stake can be driven down untilnotches 43 and 44 engage the base member as shown in FIG. 4. Once thestakes are driven to this position, a tool would be required to pry thenotches back away from the stakes to allow the stake to be pulled up androtated for removal of the anchor. Accordingly, the anchor is morepermanent and positive in its interlocking of the stake and basemembers. Additionally, in some installations erosion of the groundadjacent base 21 may take place, and notches 43 and 44 will prevent thebase from dropping downwardly as ground erodes. The structure willremain firmly anchored, however, since the stakes normally will bedriven into the ground to a much deeper depth than expected erosion.

As will be understood, if base member 21 and structure 19 are free torotate about axis 32 relative to the ground, upward force on thestructure andbase member would merely result in an unscrewing of thestake from the ground while the structure and base member rotate aboutaxis 320. When a fence is the structure to be anchored, as shown in FIG.8, structure 19 is confined against rotation about axis 32a by beingtied to an adjacent fence post by intermediate fencing. In someapplications, however, the structure secured may not be constrainedagainst rotation about axis 32a and it is preferable to provide groundengaging means, such as U-shaped downwardly depending legs 51 and S2 ofbase member 21 which engage the ground 28 and prevent rotation aboutaxis 32a. The U-shaped channel also provides increased strength for thebase. Alternatively, or additionally, the ground engaging means may beprovided by the use of two stakes such as stakes 24 and 36. As will bereadily appreciated, the relatively spaced apart stakes 24 and 36 alsoprevent rotation of base 21 about either of the central axes 32 or 32acausing the upward force to be resisted by the cylinder of earth abovethe twisted or helical surfaces 31 and 31a.

In order to provide the helical surface of the stake of the presentinvention, it is preferably to form the stake as a metallic strip, suchas steel, having a generally rectangular cross-section with therelatively wide surfaces 31 defining the long sides of the rectangularcross-section and providing the helical ground engaging surface whichlocks the stake against rotation and resists axial removal from theground without rotation.

Slots 37 and 47 are dimensioned for receipt of the striplike stake andthe sliding advancement of the stake from the pointed end to the secondend on which the projecting elements or ears 4] and 42 extend and engagebase 21 adjacent slots 37 and 47.

In order to increase the stability of the anchorage of the presentinvention, it is preferable that slots 37 and 47 are formed in base 21in relatively parallel relation and substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the base. As so formed, ears 41 and 42 engage basemember 21 on either side of the longitudinal axis of the elongated baseand tend to prevent tipping or rotation of the base about thelongitudinal axis. This tendency can further be resisted by the use of asecond base member, a will be more fully set forth hereinafter. As willbe understood, however, it is also'possible that the slots extendparallel to the longitudinal axis of the base, particularly if thestructure anchored is not subjected to substantial forces which willtend to cause base 21 to be displaced angularly about the longitudinalaxis of the base.

In order to insure a positive setting of the stakes in the ground, it ispreferable that the ears or shoulders 41 and 42 taper outwardly from thebody of the stake (best seen in FIG. 4) causing the stake to tend towedge the base downwardly into the earth matter, with depending legs 51and 52 being driven into the ground. Additionally, the ears arepreferably formed, as shown in the drawings, as an integral part of thestake and extend perpendicularly of the body in oppositely facingdirections with the taper of the ears being in the direction of twist orskew of helical surface 31. Further, the taper os preferably at agreater rate of skew or twist than the helical surface which tends tocause a final acceleration of the twist of the stakes upon locking ofthe same to base 21 by means of the notched ears. The increase in therate of twist by means of the tapered and oppositely facing ears 41 and42 causes the stakes to be rotated about their longitudinal axes to takeup any slack which might exist upon driving the stakes down through theearth matter.

In certain applications the structure to be anchored to the earth mattermay be subjected to relatively high forces exerted in several directionsand having components transverse to the base. In these applications, itis advantageous to provide a second base member oriented in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the first base member in order to helpsupport loads which are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axisof the first base member. The use of such a second base member is shownin FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, partially in phantom, wherein second base member61 is formed with slots 62 and 63 which slots receive stakes 64 and 65.The second base member is further formed for mounting on the first basemember in superimposed and substantially perpendicular relation theretoand accordingly has flange receiving slots 67 and 68 which allow thestructure supporting flanges 22 and 23 to extend therethrough.Additionally, if the second base member is formed as an invertedU-shaped member, as shown in the drawings, a recess or notch 69 in eachof the depending legs of the second member must be provided in order tospan the first U-shaped member. After superimposition of the secondmember over the first member, the structure 19 may be placed down inflanges 22 and 23 and secured to the same by fasteners such as nails 71if the structure is a wooden fence post. Additionally, it is preferableto form the first base member 21 with upstanding structure engagingprongs 72 and 73 which engage the bottom side of the fence post orstructure 19 to help positively secure to the base and further toposition the structure at a spaced distance above the base and ground.In the case of fencing and other types of structures, it is highlyadvantageous to hold the structure up off the ground. Thus,deterioration of the structure by reason of contact with the ground isminimized. When a second base member 61 is employed, openings 76 and 77in the second base member should be provided to allow prongs 72 and 73to extend therethrough and engage structure 19. As will be seen in FIG.4, the combination of the prongs and the second base member create aspace 78 which allows circulation of air underneath the structurehelping to insure its long life. It should be noted that the forces onstructure 19 are transmitted through flanges 22 and 23 to base member 21and from there to base member 61 when the first and second base membersare formed as two separate elements.

It has been found to be highly advantageous to form the presentanchorage apparatus from 3/32-inch to V8- inch steel, in which flanges22 and 23, slots 37 and 47, and prongs 72 and 73 are all formed by apunching or stamping operation. Heavier and lighter gauges of steel canbe used, depending upon the application contemplated. Additionally,downwardly depending legs 51 and 52 can be readily formed in a stampingoperation, allowing the entire base member to be formed of a single,flat rectangular sheet of steel. It should be noted that flanges 22 and23 can be formed of other'shapes to receive other structures. As formedin the drawings from the material comprising base 21, they leaveopenings 81 and 82 which do not interfere with the overall strength ofthe base. Similarly, the stake can be formed of about Aa-inch steelwhich is twisted, stamped or pressed to provide helical surface 31. Itis preferable that the helical surface 31 have one complete turn overthe length thereof in order that a complete cylinder 46 tends to resistthe axial withdrawal of the stake. As will be understood, however,substantial advantage will accrue if helical surface 31 is formed withless or more than one complete turn. Strip-like stakes formed of A- inchsteel can be driven into almost any kind of earth matter. As usedherein, the expression earth matter shall include all types of materialsincluding clay, dirt,

gravel, sand, and shall further include other materials to whichstructures can be anchored. For example, the

strip-like steel stakes of the present invention can be driven throughasphalt surfaces to anchor a structure thereto. Thus, earth matteri ismeant to include plastic and organic materials of various descriptions.Stakes 24 inches long have been found to be suitable for anchoringfences to a variety of soils and soil conditions.

1 claim:

1. In an apparatus for anchoring a structure to earth matter including abase member formed with at least one elongated slot dimensioned toreceive a stake therethrough and formed with a structure supportingportion for securement of a structure thereto, at least one elongatedstake mounted in said slot and having a first end formed to be driveninto said earth matter and an opposite second end formed to be impactedby a driving tool, said stake being formed from a strip of flat materialhaving a generally rectangular cross-section and said stake beinghelically formed over the length thereof, and ground engaging meanssecured to said base and formed to engage said earth matter at a spaceddistance from said stake to prevent rotation of said base about saidstake, the improvement comprissaid second end of said stake being formedwith at least one ear extending laterally of the body of said stake to adistance greater than the width of said slot adjacent said ear, said eartapering outwardly from the body of said stake to a position adjacentsaid second end to engage and wedge said base member downwardly to saidearth matter.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein,

said stake is formed with a pair of oppositely facing, outwardlytapering ears extending from adjacent opposite sides of the body of saidstake in the direction of twist of the helically formed stake, said earstapering outwardly at a greater rate than the rate of twist of saidhelically formed stake whereby angular engagement of said base member bysaid stake is achieved in addition to downward wedging of'said basemember.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein,

said ears are further formed with notches positioned adjacent upperportions of said ears and dimensioned for receipt of said base memberadjacent said slot whereby said stake can be driven downwardly untilsaid notches fixedly secure said stake to said base member for angularengagement and downward wedging of said base member.

4. In an apparatus for anchoring a structure to earth matter including abase member formed with a pair of spaced apart elongated slotsdimensioned to receive stakes therethrough and formed with a structuresupporting portion for securement of a structure thereto, and a pair ofelongated helically twisted flat stakes mounted in said slots and havingfirst ends formed to be driven into said earth matter and oppositesecond ends formed to be impacted by a driving tool and to engage andsecure said base member against said earth matter, the improvementcomprising:

a second elongated base member formed for mounting on said first basemember in superimposed and substantially perpendicular relation thereto,said second base member further being formed with a pairof stakereceivin slots at otpposite ends hereof and formed WI openings orreceipt of said structure supporting a portion of said first named basemember therethrough; and

second pair of stakes formed substantially as defined for the firstnamed stakes and formed to be driven through said slots in said secondbase member to urge said base member against said earth matter foranchoring of said second base member to said earth matter.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein,

said structure supporting a portion of the first named base member isprovided by an upstanding flange formed from material constituting partof said base member, and said first named base member is further formedby upstanding structure engaging prongs, said second base member beingformed with openings indexed for receipt of said prongs therethrough.

1. In an apparatus for anchoring a structure to earth matter including abase member formed with at least one elongated slot dimensioned toreceive a stake therethrough and formed with a structure supportingportion for securement of a structure thereto, at least one elongatedstake mounted in said slot and having a first end formed to be driveninto said earth matter and an opposite second end formed to be impactedby a driving tool, said stake being formed from a strip of flat materialhaving a generally rectangular cross-section and said stake beinghelically formed over the length thereof, and ground engaging meanssecured to said base and formed to engage said earth matter at a spaceddistance from said stake to prevent rotation of said base about saidstake, the improvement comprising: said second end of said stake beingformed with at least one ear extending laterally of the body of saidstake to a distance greater than the width of said slot adjacent saidear, said ear tapering outwardly from the body of said stake to aposition adjacent said second end to engage and wedge said base memberdownwardly to said earth matter.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1wherein, said stake is formed with a pair of oppositely facing,outwardly tapering ears extending from adjacent opposite sides of thebody of said stake in the direction of twist of the helically formedstake, said ears tapering outwardly at a greater rate than the rate oftwist of said helically formed stake whereby angular engagement of saidbase member by said stake is achieved in addition to downward wedging ofsaid base member.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein, said earsare further formed with notches positioned adjacent upper portions ofsaid ears and dimensioned for receipt of said base member adjacent saidslot whereby said stake can be driven downwardly until said notchesfixedly secure said stake to said base member for angular engagement anddownward wedging of said base member.
 4. In an apparatus for anchoring astructure to earth matter including a base member formed with a pair ofspaced apart elongated slots dimensioned to receive stakes therethroughand formed with a structure supporting portion for securement of astructure thereto, and a pair of elongated helically twisted flat stakesmounted in said slots and having first ends formed to be driven intosaid earth matter and opposite second ends formed to be impacted by adriving tool and to engage and secure said base member against saidearth matter, the improvement comprising: a second elongated base memberformed for mounting on said first base member in superimposed andsubstantially perpendicular relation thereto, said second base memberfurther being formed with a pair of stake receiving slots at oppositeends thereof and formed with openings for receipt of said structuresupporting a portion of said first named base member therethrough; and asecond pair of stakes formed substantially as defined for the firstnamed stakes and formed to be driven through said slots in said secondbase member to urge said base member against said earth matter foranchoring of said second base member to said earth matter.
 5. Apparatusas defined in claim 4, wherein, said structure supporting a portion ofthe first named base member is provided by an upstanding flange formedfrom material constituting part of said base member, and said firstnamed base member is further formed by upstanding structure engagingprongs, said second base member being formed with openings indexed forreceipt of said prongs therethrough.